04 November 2008

A Real Hope…

I just got back last night from attending a Christian Young People’s Conference in Odessa, Texas. There were about 120 attendees, ranging from junior-high to college-age. The topic of the conference was “Experiencing Christ as the Good Land of Canaan”. If you are familiar with the Old Testament, you will know that there is a major focus on entering and possessing the Good Land. We saw this weekend that this is just a type or picture of the New Testament believer, who’s focus and goal should be on gaining and possessing more Christ. It is not good enough to just be a Christian who has partaken of the Passover Lamb (signifying redemption) or one who has crossed the Red Sea (signifying baptism). Even one who is enjoying the manna (signifying Christ as our real food) in the wilderness cannot fully accomplish God’s goal. God needs a group of people who give themselves to walk in Him (Colossians 2:6), and allow Him to make His home in their hearts. (Ephesians 3:17). Once the land has been gained, there is a way for the city and temple to be built, signifying God’s authority and representation.

Being in the enjoyment of the conference, I completely forgot about what was going on with the presidential election. The analysts have been saying that more people will vote in this election than in any presidential election in U.S. history. Seems both sides are quite fired up for their candidate of choice. While I do have my choice of who I want to see in office, I was reminded this weekend that my hope is not in a person named Obama….or McCain. Or Palin. Or any other cause, for that matter. As Christians, we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). This hope is the real hope, and this hope is what keeps us going day by day, even when things don’t seem to go our way.

Regardless of who wins the election tomorrow, may we grant the new President the proper prayers and respect that is fitting for the highest elected office in our great nation…

1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men;

2 On behalf of kings and all who are in high position, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and gravity.

3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior God,

4 Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth.